Autism in Pictures - The Work of Timothy Archibald

Photography is so much more than gear and software and marketing. Otherwise, I wouldn't be a photographer. In Timothy Archibald's case, photography was a way of connecting with his autistic son, Eli. Archibald says, "People jump to all sorts of desperate measures to feel like they're doing something— a diet, a new medication, a special doctor...and this helped me feel like I was doing something....We got to work as equals on something."

It's a moving set of images that feel extremely intimate, genuine, and also quite melancholy. As I pored over these images, I kept remembering the words of Steichen: "Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man."

These photos touched me in so many ways. My 9 year old has Asperger's. I think the photos show how very special and unique our children are. It captures true spirit that totally exists in them. Thank you so much for sharing

The images aren't showing things he does. They are set up to communicate visually how autism *feels* - often lonely, isolating and as if the person is trapped in a vacuum. The child is not 'playing' with the items, they are props specifically chosen to demonstrate the theme.

I can't find the original interview I read with Timothy Archibald a couple years ago, but actually they are not just props. He explained that these ARE in fact things his son does and items he plays with and Timothy basically follows him with the camera. My nephew is Autistic, and he does things like what is shown in the pictures all the time. In this other link shows these photos and more and have explanations. You can see captions where Timothy explains that he lets the child more or less be the "director" and will even suggest taking pitures with certain items he is attached to, such as a log.

You really can't tell if someone has autism based on how they look or what they play with in some pictures. You would probably have to meet this child before you could see the differences at play. If you are confused, you should look up the symptoms of autism. Autistic children do not look different than other children and the toys he is playing with were not the primary reason for his diagnosis, I'm sure.

Wow...amazing photos. I surely can relate also. I have a beautiful 10year old son who is nonverbal w/autism. The world is his playground. He finds joy and happiness in things that most would never give a second glance to. I think in alot of ways, he has a better view than everyone else. &lt;3

Very touching, I have an 8 year old granddaughter that is autistic, I see her doing things such as these, I think that it is great that he is allowed to explore his world and his feelings about how he perceives it to be. amazing photography, Eli was really captured here. I dont see sadness in the pictures, these are just things that make him happy, and its great that he has a family that allows him to be who he is

The photographer captured the world of his autistic son as a CHILD. His work is much more expansive and meaningful. Yesterday my neurotypical daughter made a birthday cake of garlic peels, egg shells and dish soap. She was serving it to a blue dragon. I had the pictures in mind and instead of getting upset with the mess, enjoyed the whole scene. The world needs more neurodiversity and parents of autistic children should never be left alone with their struggles. They carry more than difficultes.

Beautiful, yet feel somewhat invasive into my soul. My son is now 19 and remembering these serene moments is like floating in tranquil waters. When people say, "I don't know how you do it," these captured moments speak for us. How could we not?

I am a Grandparent with a 3 yr. old grandson his name is Connor..He is non-verable..But he speaks...only in a different way..You need to listen with your Heart..Just listen..These Children are Heaven sent to special families..God Bless all these Special children and their parents and care givers..They do have a lot to share..Just Listen..

autistic childern are the most purest of angles in my eyes god should give every family one because you will never know a more powerful love than the love of a autistic child iam a mother of a 29 yr old autistic daughter thow it was very hard raiseing her with her many behavioral problems if i had it to do over again i wouldnt change any thing about her she is my angle sent from god and has tought me so much about real love god bless all of them and the lucky familys god chooses to bless you with the love of an autistic child

Beautiful! My 3 year old son with autism does many of these exact same things! I am thankful to see a parent celebrating their childs special way of enjoying their world. These pictures aren't sad in any way. My own son is a very content and happy child. He is fantastically unique and the way he enjoys and connects with his environment is also unique. Seeing a child who probably enjoys feeling things on his entire body, enjoys laying down and looking at things from a different perspective, likes to put things over his head, etc..., doesn't seem staged. In our world, it's part of everyday life and perfectly natural. :-)

I'm a mother of a 25 yrs old handsome,Non Verbal with ADD and PICA, Autistic Son.Those pictures made me go back time.Beautiful!My son is very frendly,very happy,he is content.He enjoys smeling and feelings things,car rides,going to the park and he loves Super Target.It was very hard raiseing him with a lots behavioral problems;but,if i had to do it over again,i wouldn'd change anything.He is my Angel sent to me from God,to show me the real love and to listen with my heart.I think God choose the families to given them Autisic Children,becouse he knows we can handle with all the love that we have.We are very bless!!!